great figure

USAGE SUMMARY

"great figure" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It refers to someone having a good physical appearance or a well-proportioned body. Example: "She was known for her great figure, with long legs and a slim waist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He's a brilliant, great figure.

University of California, Berkeley

She was a great figure.

The New York Times - Books

Gigi Frost great figure bad face.

The New Yorker

De Gaulle was incontestably a great figure.

The Guardian - Books

The next great figure in this tradition was Theodore Roosevelt.

The New York Times - Magazine

"A great figure of Dionysos on his panther, very grand".

The New Yorker

The great figure in all this is Admiral John Poindexter.

MIT Technology Review

Von Neumann was a great figure in the theory of computers, and later in their design.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They have great figures.

The New Yorker

Great figures of their time?

The Guardian

But great figures often have eccentric streaks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a historical or influential person, use "great figure" to highlight their significant impact and legacy.

Common error

Avoid using "great figure" to describe someone's physical appearance in formal writing; it's more appropriate for describing influential individuals or historical icons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great figure" typically functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'great' modifies the noun 'figure'. It's generally used to describe someone who is very important, influential, or has made a significant impact, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

15%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great figure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the significance and influence of an individual. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans diverse contexts, primarily within News & Media and Academia. While occasionally referring to physical appearance, it most commonly denotes historical or cultural importance. To diversify your writing, consider alternatives like ""remarkable person"" or ""prominent individual"", ensuring the context aligns with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable person

Focuses on the individual's overall character and impact.

prominent individual

Emphasizes the person's importance and visibility.

significant personality

Highlights the person's unique characteristics and influence.

notable character

Stresses the person's memorability and distinctive qualities.

esteemed leader

Specifically refers to someone in a position of authority who is highly respected.

leading light

Suggests someone who inspires and guides others.

influential presence

Focuses on the impact the person has on their surroundings.

important player

Implies a crucial role in a particular field or situation.

major force

Conveys a sense of powerful influence and impact.

towering figure

Emphasizes the person's exceptional stature and importance.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "great figure" in a sentence?

You can use "great figure" to describe someone influential or historically significant, such as "Nelson Mandela is considered a "great figure" in the fight against apartheid".

What are some alternatives to "great figure"?

Alternatives to "great figure" include "remarkable person", "prominent individual", or "significant personality", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "great figure" to describe someone's physical appearance?

While "great figure" can sometimes refer to physical appearance, it's more commonly used to describe someone who is influential or historically important. For physical appearance, consider alternatives like "striking physique" or "well-proportioned body".

What is the difference between "great figure" and "major player"?

"Great figure" generally refers to someone with a significant and lasting impact on history or a particular field, while "major player" often describes someone who is currently influential or important in a specific context.